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Epilogue
From the safety ofher husband’s truck, Allie Carpenter smiled as she watched Rick lead Bart and Hannah away from the fire eating through the Patriot Plaza. Even with the fire suppression measures, the building would be a total loss.
Kellerman, the man Ross’s team had been tailing at Bart’s request, was pinned against the auto shop building, afraid to move for fear Eva or one of the truck drivers who’d slept over would shoot him.
Hannah and Bart walked that way and Allie thought popcorn might be in order. “Do you need to head him off?”
“Nope.” Her husband draped an arm over her shoulder. “It’s just getting interesting. Besides, I don’t think Bart’s the one Kellerman should be worried about.”
As usual, Ross was right. Hannah marched right up to the disgraced agent and plowed a fist into his gut. Even from this distance, Allie could hear Bart’s deep laughter.
“Why did he assist the cartel?” she asked as Hannah stalked away, allowing Eva, Rick, and the others to sort out who would take Kellerman into custody.
“It was a payoff to cover his gambling debts. With Hannah’s tip about the license plate in Tim's notes, Eva was able to put the final pieces together last night and send the intel up the line. Taking Gonzales alive… we knew he’d have to do something drastic soon. But I didn’t expect this.”
Allie surveyed the smoldering remains of the truck stop. The concept of someone dishonoring their vow to uphold the law baffled her. Ross led by example and held the respect and loyalty of the team he’d so carefully assembled during his days in the Army and now with his business.
Seeing the joyful embrace between Hannah and Bart turned her thoughts toward the future. “She’s good for him. And she’s a wonderful addition to the family you’re building.”
“That she is,” Ross agreed, kissing her hair. “I’m glad he figured it out.”
“Me too.” She sighed, utterly content. “Do you think there is any chance you can convince him to move his business closer to Haleswood?”
“Maybe. Why?”
“Because it would make scheduling play dates with the babies much easier.”
“Babies? Play dates? Are you—” He swallowed and spread his palm over her waist. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, laughing as he gave a celebratory shout, and then melting under his sweet, passionate kiss.
It was an exciting life they were building and she couldn’t wait for the next chapter to begin.
***
